Connective Tissue Diseases

Celltrion USA has expanded access to ZYMFENTRA ® (infliximab-dyyb), the first and only FDA-approved subcutaneous (SC) infliximab, to a significant share of the U.S. market The availability of ZYMFENTRA will support greater patient access and choice while helping to drive greater affordability to patients and health care systems JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Celltrion USA announced today that, through continued partnership with key PBMs and health plans, the company has expanded access to ZYMFENTRA ® (infliximab-dyyb), the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved subcutaneous infliximab. With these partnerships Celltrion has now secured comprehensive access across the US health care system. ZYMFENTRA has attained access to a significant share of the U.S. market, providing an increase in availability to patients and prescribers. This achievement reflects unmet needs of patients, providers and payers, as well as Celltrion USA's ability to deliver on our strong heritage of supply, manufacturing and commitment to biologics. "Our extensive engagement with PBMs and health plans from the outset have led to the comprehensive expanded access for ZYMFENTRA in a short time frame," said Thomas Nusbickel, Celltrion USA Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). "This achievement underscores ZYMFENTRA's unique and innovative therapeutic advantages, and we look forward to expanding our outreach to deliver its treatment benefits to as many patients in the U.S. as possible." ZYMFENTRA was approved by the FDA in October 2023 through the Biologics License Application (BLA) under the 351 (a) pathway of the Public Health Service Act (a "stand-alone" BLA). ZYMFENTRA is the first FDA-approved subcutaneous infliximab for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. About Celltrion USA Celltrion USA is Celltrion's U.S. subsidiary established in 2018. Headquartered in New Jersey, Celltrion USA is committed to expanding access to innovative biologics to improve care for U.S. patients. Celltrion currently has five biosimilars approved by the U.S. FDA: INFLECTRA® (infliximab-dyyb), TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs), HERZUMA® (trastuzumab-pkrb), VEGZELMA® (bevacizumab-adcd), and YUFLYMA®(adalimumab-aaty) as well as a novel biologic ZYMFENTRA®. Celltrion USA will continue to leverage Celltrion's unique heritage in biotechnology, supply chain excellence, and best-in-class sales capabilities to improve access to high-quality biopharmaceuticals for U.S. patients. For more information, please visit: . About ZYMFENTRA® (infliximab-dyyb) [1] ZYMFENTRA is a prescription medicine used as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) by adults for the maintenance treatment of: moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis following treatment with an infliximab product given by intravenous infusion (IV), moderately to severely active Crohn's disease following treatment with an infliximab product given by intravenous infusion (IV). ZYMFENTRA blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein that can be overproduced in response to certain diseases and cause the immune system to attack normal, healthy parts of the body. ZYMFENTRA® (infliximab-dyyb) was approved by the FDA through the Biologics License Application (BLA) under the 351 (a) pathway of the Public Health Service Act (a "stand-alone" BLA). ZYMFENTRA is considered a new biologic with a first-approved subcutaneous administration form and thus will be under patent protection for its dosage form by 2037 and for its route of administration by 2040. Indication and Important Safety Information ZYMFENTRA is a prescription medicine indicated in adults for maintenance treatment of: Moderately to severely active Crohn's disease following treatment with an infliximab product administered intravenously. Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis following treatment with an infliximab product administered intravenously. It is not known if ZYMFENTRA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. What is the most important information I should know about ZYMFENTRA? SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with ZYMFENTRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death. Discontinue ZYMFENTRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Patients should be tested for latent TB before and during treatment with ZYMFENTRA. Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to treatment with ZYMFENTRA. Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Empiric anti-fungal therapy should be considered in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness. Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria. The risks and benefits of treatment with ZYMFENTRA should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with ZYMFENTRA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. Risk of infection may be higher in patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with comorbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressant therapy. In clinical trials, other serious infections observed in patients treated with infliximab included arthritis bacterial, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. MALIGNANCIES Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children, adolescents, and young adults treated with TNF blockers, including infliximab products. Approximately half of these cases were lymphomas, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The other cases represented a variety of malignancies, including rare malignancies that are usually associated with immunosuppression and malignancies that are not usually observed in children and adolescents. The malignancies occurred after a median of 30 months after the first dose of therapy. Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants. Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers, including infliximab products. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and most were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. Carefully assess the risks and benefits of treatment with ZYMFENTRA, especially in these patient types. In clinical trials of all TNF blockers, more cases of malignancies were observed compared with controls and the expected rate in the general population. In clinical trials of some TNF blockers, including infliximab products, more cases of other malignancies were observed compared with controls. As the potential role of TNF blocker therapy in the development of malignancies is not known, caution should be exercised when considering treatment of patients with a current or a past history of malignancy. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have been reported in patients treated with TNF blocker therapy, including infliximab products. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. CONTRAINDICATIONS ZYMFENTRA is contraindicated in patients with a previous severe hypersensitivity reaction to infliximab-dyyb, other infliximab products, any of the inactive ingredients of ZYMFENTRA or any murine proteins (severe hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis, hypotension, and serum sickness). HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION TNF blockers, including infliximab products, have been associated with reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers. Some cases were fatal. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating ZYMFENTRA. For patients who test positive, consult a physician with expertise in the treatment of hepatitis B. Exercise caution when prescribing ZYMFENTRA for patients identified as carriers of HBV, and monitor closely for active HBV infection during and following termination of therapy with ZYMFENTRA. Discontinue ZYMFENTRA in patients who develop HBV reactivation and initiate antiviral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment. Exercise caution when considering resumption of ZYMFENTRA, and monitor patients closely. HEPATOTOXICITY Hepatobiliary disorders, including acute liver failure, jaundice abnormal hepatic function, hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, hyperbilirubinemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver, have been reported in patients receiving infliximab products post-marketing. Some cases were fatal or required liver transplant. Aminotransferase elevations were not noted prior to discovery of liver injury in many cases. Patients with symptoms or signs of liver dysfunction should be evaluated for evidence of liver injury. If jaundice and/or marked liver enzyme elevations (eg, ≥5 times the upper limit of normal) develop, ZYMFENTRA should be discontinued, and a thorough investigation of the abnormality should be undertaken. CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. Some cases had a fatal outcome. In several exploratory trials of other TNF blockers in the treatment of CHF, there were greater proportions of TNF-blocker-treated patients who had CHF exacerbations requiring hospitalization or increased mortality. ZYMFENTRA has not been studied in patients with a history of CHF and ZYMFENTRA should be used with caution in patients with CHF. HEMATOLOGIC REACTION Cases of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia (some fatal) have been reported. The causal relationship to infliximab-product therapy remains unclear. Exercise caution in patients who have ongoing or a history of significant hematologic abnormalities. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms of blood dyscrasias or infection. Consider discontinuation of ZYMFENTRA in patients who develop significant hematologic abnormalities. HYPERSENSITIVITY AND OTHER ADMINISTRATION REACTIONS In post-marketing experience, serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis, hypotension, and serum sickness) have been reported following administration of infliximab products. If an anaphylactic or other clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue ZYMFENTRA. INJECTION SITE REACTIONS In clinical studies, localized injection-site reactions were reported following administration of ZYMFENTRA. If a clinically significant injection-site reaction occurs, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue ZYMFENTRA. NEUROLOGIC REACTIONS Agents that inhibit TNF have been associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestation of systemic vasculitis, seizure, and new onset or exacerbation of CNS demyelinating disorders, including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disorders, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Exercise caution when considering ZYMFENTRA in patients with these disorders and consider discontinuation if these disorders develop. RISK OF INFECTION WITH CONCURRENT ADMINISTRATION OF OTHER BIOLOGICS PRODUCTS Serious infections and neutropenia have been reported with concurrent use of ZYMFENTRA with other immunosuppressive biological products. The concurrent use of ZYMFENTRA with other immunosuppressive biological products used to treat UC and CD may increase the risk of infection and is not recommended. RISK OF ADDITIVE IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE EFFECTS FROM PRIOR BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS Consider the half-life and mode of action of prior biological products to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating ZYMFENTRA. AUTOIMMUNITY Treatment with TNF blockers may result in the formation of autoantibodies and in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue ZYMFENTRA treatment if symptoms of a lupus-like syndrome develop. VACCINATIONS AND USE OF LIVE VACCINES/THERAPEUTIC INFECTIOUS AGENTS Prior to initiating ZYMFENTRA, update vaccinations in accordance with current vaccination guidelines. Live vaccines or therapeutic infectious agents should not be given with ZYMFENTRA due to the possibility of clinical infections, including disseminated infections. At least a 6-month waiting period following birth is recommended before the administration of any live vaccine to infants exposed in utero to ZYMFENTRA. ADVERSE REACTIONS In clinical trials with ZYMFENTRA, the most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% of ZYMFENTRA -treated patients included site reactions, COVID-19, anemia, arthralgia, infection site reaction, increased alanine aminotransferase and abdominal pain for UC, and COVID-19, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, injection site reaction, diarrhea, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, arthralgia, increased alanine aminotransferase, hypertension, urinary tract infection, neutropenia, dizziness and leukopenia for CD. Please click for Full U.S. Prescribing Information. Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information. For further information please contact: Celltrion Global PR Team [email protected] SOURCE Celltrion USA WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

$573 million in third quarter global net product sales CIDP global expansion on track, with decisions on approval under review in Japan, Europe, China, and Canada Management to host conference call today at 1:30 PM CET (8:30 AM ET) Regulated information - Inside information October 31, 2024 7:00AM CET Amsterdam, the Netherlands – argenx SE (Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases, today announced its third quarter 2024 financial results and provided a business update. “We delivered significant patient impact with VYVGART over the quarter, expanding our gMG footprint and delivering innovation to CIDP patients three months into launch,” said Tim Van Hauwermeiren, Chief Executive Officer of argenx. “We continued to advance our goal of reaching more gMG patients earlier in their treatment journey, supported by VYVGART’s strong safety and efficacy profile, and real-world data showing the ability to meaningfully reduce steroid use. Expanding upon our leadership in gMG, we are now paving the future in CIDP. The strength of our data, combined with execution across the team to reach key stakeholders, contributed to the initial success of our CIDP launch, with more than 300 patients on therapy at the end of the third quarter. There remains significant opportunity ahead as we work towards achieving our Vision 2030, with innovation implemented across our pipeline to deliver transformative outcomes to more patients.” Advancing ‘Vision 2030’ in Third Quarter 2024 Vision 2030 is the next phase in argenx’s long-term commitment to transform the treatment of autoimmune diseases by strengthening its leadership in FcRn biology, investing in its continuous pipeline of differentiated antibody candidates, and scaling in a disciplined way to ensure innovation remains core to the argenx mission. As a part of this vision, argenx plans to reach at least 50,000 patients globally, advance the pipeline to achieve 10 labeled indications, and bring five new molecules into Phase 3 by 2030. Reaching 50,000 Patients Globally by 2030 VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) is a first-in-class antibody fragment targeting FcRn and is now approved for both intravenous use and subcutaneous injection (SC) (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) in three indications, including generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) globally, primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Japan (IV only), and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in the U.S. (SC only). Generated global net product revenues (inclusive of both VYVGART and VYVGART SC) of $573 million in the third quarter of 2024Multiple VYVGART regulatory submissions completed or underway for gMG, including: Swissmedic approved VYVGART for the treatment of gMG in SwitzerlandRegulatory decisions on approval expected in Australia and Saudi Arabia in 2024, and South Korea in 2025 Multiple VYVGART SC regulatory submissions under review or planned for CIDP, including: Regulatory submissions completed in Japan, Europe, and China with decisions on approval expected in 2025Regulatory submission to be completed in Canada by end of 2024 VYVGART now reimbursed in 11 countries in Europe, with new agreements in place in France, Luxembourg, and BelgiumFDA review of VYVGART SC pre-filled syringe (PFS) for gMG and CIDP ongoing with Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of April 10, 2025 Advancing Pipeline to Achieve 10 Labeled Indications by 2030 argenx continues to demonstrate breadth and depth within its immunology pipeline, advancing multiple pipeline-in-a-product candidates. argenx is solidifying its leadership in FcRn biology, with efgartigimod currently in development in 15 indications. argenx is also advancing its first-in-class C2 inhibitor, empasiprubart, which is being evaluated in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), delayed graft function (DGF), dermatomyositis (DM), and CIDP. In addition, argenx is evaluating ARGX-119, a muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) agonist in both congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Registrational studies ongoing of efgartigimod in thyroid eye disease (TED)Registrational studies ongoing to support label-expansion into broader MG, including ADAPT SERON in seronegative gMG and ADAPT OCULUS in ocular MGRegistrational study in primary Sjögren’s disease (SjD) on track to start by end of 2024Confirmatory study of efgartigimod in primary ITP to start by end of 2024 to enable registration in U.S.Topline data from seamless Phase 2/3 ALKIVIA study evaluating efgartigimod across three myositis subsets (immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS), and DM) expected by end of 2024Update on BALLAD study development plan evaluating efgartigimod in bullous pemphigoid (BP) expected by end of 2024Decision made to discontinue development of efgartigimod in membranous nephropathy (MN); proof-of concept study ongoing with efgartigimod in lupus nephritis (LN)Proof-of-concept study ongoing with efgartigimod in antibody mediated rejection (AMR), with systemic sclerosis (SSc) to start by end of 2024Registrational study of empasiprubart in MMN to start by end of 2024Additional proof-of-concept studies of empasiprubart ongoing, including VARVARA study in DGF and EMPACIFIC study in DMRegistrational study of empasiprubart in CIDP to start in 2025Ongoing Phase 1b/2a studies of ARGX-119 to assess early signal in patients with CMS and ALS Investing in Immunology Innovation Program to Support Five New Molecules in Phase 3 by 2030 argenx continues to invest in its Immunology Innovation Program (IIP) to drive long-term sustainable pipeline growth. Through the IIP, four new pipeline candidates have been nominated, including: ARGX-213, targeting FcRn and further solidifying argenx’s leadership in this new class of medicine; ARGX-121, a first-in-class molecule targeting IgA; ARGX-109, targeting IL-6, which plays an important role in inflammation, and ARGX-220, a first-in-class sweeping antibody for which the target has not yet been disclosed. Phase 1 studies of ARGX-213 and ARGX-121 expected to start in second half of 2025Investigational new drug (IND) applications for ARGX-220 and ARGX-109 on track to be filed by end of 2025 THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS argenx SE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30(in thousands of $ except for shares and EPS) 2024 2023 2024 2023Product net sales $ 572,997 $ 329,097 $ 1,448,915 $ 816,432 Collaboration revenue 239 692 2,905 3,047 Other operating income 15,642 10,050 38,999 31,275 Total operating income $ 588,878 $ 339,839 $ 1,490,819 $ 850,754 Cost of sales $ (59,072) $ (35,999) $ (154,633) $ (78,358)Research and development expenses (235,940) (191,755) (686,195) (553,119)Selling, general and administrative expenses (277,698) (191,930) (769,392) (503,079)Loss from investment in a joint venture (1,981) (743) (5,294) (2,623)Total operating expenses $ (574,691) $ (420,427) $ (1,615,514) $ (1,137,179) Operating profit/(loss) $ 14,187 $ (80,588) $ (124,695) $ (286,425) Financial income $ 40,586 $ 30,049 $ 118,414 $ 67,078 Financial expense (676) (231) (1,760) (626)Exchange gains/(losses) 33,927 (32,509) 6,712 (23,345) Profit/(loss) for the period before taxes $ 88,024 $ (83,279) $ (1,329) $ (243,318)Income tax (expense)/benefit $ 3,386 $ 10,637 $ 60,208 $ 47,437 Profit/(loss) for the period $ 91,410 $ (72,642) $ 58,879 $ (195,881)Profit/(loss) for the period attributable to: Owners of the parent $ 91,410 $ (72,642) $ 58,879 $ (195,881)Weighted average number of shares outstanding 60,087,498 58,128,233 59,633,179 56,512,254 Basic profit/(loss) per share (in $) 1.52 (1.25) 0.99 (3.47)Diluted profit/(loss) per share (in $) 1.39 (1.25) 0.91 (3.47)Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets compared to year-end 2023 and 2022 $ 194,523 $ 993,035 Cash and cash equivalents and current financial assets at the end of the period $ 3,374,367 $ 3,185,583 DETAILS OF THE FINANCIAL RESULTS Total operating income for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $589 million and $1,491 million, respectively, compared to $340 million and $851 million for the same periods in 2023, and mainly consists of: Product net sales of VYVGART for the three months ended and nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $573 million and $1,449 million, compared to $329 million and $816 million for the same periods in 2023.Other operating income for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $16 million and $39 million, respectively, compared to $10 million, and $31 million for the same periods in 2023. The other operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily relates to research and development tax incentives and payroll tax rebates. Total operating expenses for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $575 million and $1,616 million, respectively, compared to $420 million and $1,137 million for the same periods in 2023, and mainly consists of: Cost of sales for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $59 million and $155 million, respectively, compared to $36 million and $78 million for the same periods in 2023. The cost of sales was recognized with respect to the sale of VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo.Research and development expenses for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $236 million and $686 million, respectively, compared to $192 million and $553 million for the same periods in 2023. The research and development expenses mainly relate to external research and development expenses and personnel expenses incurred in the clinical development of efgartigimod in various indications and the expansion of other clinical and preclinical pipeline candidates.Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $278 million and $769 million, respectively, compared to $192 million and $503 million for the same periods in 2023. The selling, general and administrative expenses mainly relate to professional and marketing fees linked to global commercialization of VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo, and personnel expenses. Financial income for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $41 million and $118 million, respectively, compared to $30 million and $67 million for the same periods in 2023. The increase in financial income is mainly due to an increase in interest income on current financial assets and cash and cash equivalents. Exchange gains for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 were $34 million and $7 million respectively, respectively, compared to $(33) million and $(23) million of exchange losses for the same periods in 2023. Exchange gains/losses are mainly attributable to unrealized exchange rate gains or losses on the cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets position in Euro. Income tax for the third quarter and year-to-date in 2024 was $3 million and $60 million of tax benefit, respectively, compared to $11 million and $47 million of tax benefit for the same periods in 2023. Tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 consists of $29 million of income tax expense and $89 million of deferred tax income, compared to $24 million of income tax expense and $71 million of deferred tax income for the comparable prior period. Net income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2024, was $91 million and $59 million, respectively, compared to a net loss of $(73) million and $(196) million over the prior year periods. On a per weighted average share basis, the earnings per share was $0.99 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and a net loss per share of $(3.47) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets totaled $3.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2023. The increases in cash and cash equivalents and current financial assets over the period was from financing activities due to the exercise of stock options which is offset by net cash flows used in operating and investing activities. FINANCIAL GUIDANCE With the increase in cash, cash equivalents and current financial assets in the quarter and year-to-date, the previously issued cash guidance no longer applies. The financial guidance on the combined selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses remains unchanged at approximately $2 billion. EXPECTED 2024 FINANCIAL CALENDAR February 27, 2025: Full-year 2024 financial results and 4Q 2024 business update CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS The third quarter 2024 financial results and business update will be discussed during a conference call and webcast presentation today at 1:30 pm CET/8:30 am ET. A webcast of the live call and replay may be accessed on the Investors section of the argenx website at argenx.com/investors. Dial-in numbers: Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the live call. Belgium 32 800 50 201France 33 800 943355Netherlands 31 20 795 1090United Kingdom 44 800 358 0970United States 1 888 415 4250Japan 81 3 4578 9081Switzerland 41 43 210 11 32 About argenx argenx is a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases. Partnering with leading academic researchers through its Immunology Innovation Program (IIP), argenx aims to translate immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines. argenx developed and is commercializing the first approved neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker in the U.S., Japan, Israel, the EU, the UK, China and Canada. The Company is evaluating efgartigimod in multiple serious autoimmune diseases and advancing several earlier stage experimental medicines within its therapeutic franchises. For more information, visit www.argenx.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. For further information, please contact: Media: Ben Petokbpetok@argenx.com Investors:Alexandra Roy (US)aroy@argenx.com Lynn Elton (EU)lelton@argenx.com Forward-looking Statements The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “aim,” “achieve,” “advance,” “bring,” “complete,” “expect,” “initiate,” “plan,” “reach,” “start,” “support,” “to be,” or “will,” and include statements argenx makes regarding its goal to reach more gMG patients in an early-line setting; its growth opportunity; its Vision 2030 plan, including (1) transforming the treatment of autoimmune diseases by strengthening its leadership in FcRn biology, (2) investing in its continuous pipeline of differentiated antibody candidates, (3) scaling in a disciplined way to ensure innovation, and (4) reaching 50,000 patients globally with an argenx medicine, 10 labeled indications across all approved assets, and five new molecules in Phase 3 development; the advancement of anticipated clinical development, data readouts and regulatory milestones and plans, including (1) the anticipated timing of additional VYVGART regulatory decisions on approval for gMG in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, (2) the anticipated timing of VYVGART SC regulatory submissions for CIDP, including decisions on approval in China, Japan, and Europe and an anticipated regulatory submission filing in Canada, (3) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a registrational study for efgartigimod in primary SjD, (4) the anticipated timing of a confirmatory study of efgartigimod in primary ITP, (5) the anticipated timing of topline data from Phase 2/3 ALKIVIA study evaluating efgartigimod across three myositis subsets, (6) the anticipated timing of an update on the BALLAD study development plan evaluating efgartigimod in BP, (7) the anticipated timing of proof-of-concept study data for efgartigimod in LN, (8) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a study on efgartimod in SSc, (9) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a registrational study of empasiprubart for MMN, (9) the anticipated timing of the initiation of a registrational study of empasiprubart in CIDP, (10) the anticipated timing of the initiation of Phase 1 studies of ARGX-213 and ARGX-121, (11) the anticipated timing of the filing of investigational new drug applications for ARGX-220 and ARGX-109; the advancement of empasiprubart; its 2024 selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses; the anticipated timing of releases of future financial results and business updates; and its goal of translating immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. argenx’s actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the results of argenx's clinical trials; expectations regarding the inherent uncertainties associated with the development of novel drug therapies; preclinical and clinical trial and product development activities and regulatory approval requirements in products and product candidates; the acceptance of argenx's products and product candidates by patients as safe, effective and cost-effective; the impact of governmental laws and regulations on our business; disruptions caused on our reliance of third parties suppliers, service provides and manufacturing; inflation and deflation and the corresponding fluctuations in interest rates; and regional instability and conflicts. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in argenx’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and reports, including in argenx’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC as well as subsequent filings and reports filed by argenx with the SEC. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document. argenx undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise the information in this press release, including any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Results from 68-week study of 407 adults with obesity and moderate knee osteoarthritis showed semaglutide 2.4 mg significantly reduced body weight, knee osteoarthritis-related pain, and improved physical function1 Obesity is a major risk factor of knee osteoarthritis development and disease progression2-4 Semaglutide is not approved in the U.S. for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis PLAINSBORO, N.J., Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The New England Journal of Medicine published results from Novo Nordisk's STEP 9 phase 3 clinical trial that studied semaglutide 2.4 mg compared to placebo as an adjunct to lifestyle modifications in reducing body weight and knee osteoarthritis-related pain in adults with obesity, and a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of moderate knee osteoarthritis, and pain that is at least moderately severe.1 According to the published trial, semaglutide met the study's primary endpoints and was superior to placebo in significantly reducing body weight and knee osteoarthritis-related pain, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. In addition, the trial met a key confirmatory secondary endpoint of improving patients' physical function.1 In patients with a mean baseline body weight of 239.5 pounds, semaglutide led to a –13.7% mean change from baseline in body weight at week 68 versus –3.2% with placebo ([95% confidence interval (CI) –12.3, –8.6]; P<0.001). Semaglutide also led to a mean change from baseline (70.9) in the WOMAC pain score of –41.7 at week 68 versus –27.5 with placebo ([95% CI –20.0, –8.3]; P<0.001). WOMAC is a 24-item patient-reported questionnaire that assesses clinically important symptoms of pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA).1,5 A greater improvement in physical functioning scores was also observed from baseline at week 68 among trial participants taking semaglutide versus placebo (mean change: 12.0 versus 6.5 points [95% CI 3.1, 8.0], P<0.001]) as measured by the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36v2).1 Obesity is considered a major risk factor for the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis, a common type of osteoarthritis that can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.2-4 Obesity contributes to the development of knee osteoarthritis through increased mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints, metabolic factors, and obesity-related inflammation.2,3 "Obesity-related knee osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that can lead to pain and stiffness of the knee and impair critical daily functions such as walking or moving around. The risk of developing the condition is more than four times higher in people with obesity. Weight reduction along with physical activity is often a recommended approach to managing painful symptoms, but adherence can be challenging," said lead study author Henning Bliddal, MD, M.Sci., The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. "There is a significant need for non-surgical and sustainable treatment options for those living with obesity-related osteoarthritis. The STEP 9 trial aimed to provide rigorous evidence as to how semaglutide may help these people." The study implemented a targeted approach to safety data collection, with investigators recording only serious adverse events (SAEs), adverse events (AEs) leading to treatment discontinuation, AEs requiring invasive knee procedures, medication error, acute pancreatitis, COVID-19, and pregnancy or pregnancy-related AEs.1 AEs leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 6.7% of patients in the semaglutide group and 3.0% of patients in the placebo group. The most common AEs leading to treatment discontinuation were gastrointestinal disorders (2.2% of patients in the semaglutide group and 0% of patients in the placebo group) and neoplasms (benign, malignant, and unspecified) (semaglutide, 1.9%; placebo, 1.5%). The incidence of SAEs was similar in both groups (semaglutide, 10.0%; placebo, 8.1%).1 STEP 9 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of 407 adults aged ≥18 years with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and a clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis per American College of Rheumatology criteria with moderate radiographic changes (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 2 or 3) in the target knee. Participants also had pain due to knee osteoarthritis, with a WOMAC pain score ≥40 out of 100 at randomization.1 "Obesity is a complex metabolic disease associated with multiple co-morbid conditions, including knee osteoarthritis," said Anna Windle, PhD, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Novo Nordisk. "The STEP 9 results are encouraging and provide important information about the effect of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, on knee osteoarthritis outcomes in people with obesity. We look forward to working with regulatory authorities on next steps based on these findings." About obesity Obesity is a serious chronic, progressive, and misunderstood disease that requires long-term management.6-8 One key misunderstanding is that this is a disease of just lack of willpower, when in fact there is underlying biology that may impede people with obesity from losing weight and keeping it off.6,7 Obesity is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, social determinants of health, and the environment.9 The prevalence of overweight and obesity is a public health issue that has severe cost implications to healthcare systems.10,11 In the U.S., about 40% of adults live with obesity.12 About the STEP 9 trial (semaglutide 2.4 mg) STEP 9 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo as an adjunct to lifestyle modifications (counseling on a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity) in reducing body weight and knee osteoarthritis-related pain in patients with obesity and a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of moderate knee osteoarthritis, and pain that is at least moderately severe.1 Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo for 68 weeks, followed by 7 weeks' off-treatment follow-up. There was a 16-week dose escalation to allow for adjustment to therapy (gastrointestinal adverse reactions). The study randomized participants between October 2021 and March 2022.1 All endpoints were measured from baseline to week 68. The primary endpoints were the percentage change in body weight and change in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score.1 The trial enrolled 407 adults and was conducted in 11 countries at 61 investigator sites.1 Semaglutide is not approved for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Safety and efficacy are not established, and there is no guarantee that semaglutide will become commercially available for this use under clinical investigation. About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With U.S. headquarters in New Jersey and commercial, production, and research facilities in seven states plus Washington DC, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 8,000 people throughout the country. For more information, visit novonordisk-us.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. References Bliddal H, Bays H, Czernichow S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Persons with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med. 2024; 391:1573-83. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Arthritis risk factors. Last accessed: September 2024. Available at . World Health Organization. Osteoarthritis. Last accessed: October 2024. Available at: . Nedunchezhiyan U, Varughese I, Sun AR, et al. Obesity, inflammation, and immune system in osteoarthritis. Front Immunol. 2022;13:907750. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.907750. ClinicalTrials.gov. Research study looking at how well semaglutide works in people suffering from obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Last accessed: October 2024. Available at: . Kaplan LM, Golden A, Jinnett K, et al. Perceptions of barriers to effective obesity care: results from the national action study. Obesity. 2018;26(1):61-69. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Obes Rev. 2017;18(7):715-723. Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American association of clinical endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22 (Suppl 3):1-203. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Causes of obesity. Last accessed: October 2024. Available at: . World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2023. Last accessed: October 2024. Available at: . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why it matters. Last accessed: October 2024. Available at: . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023. Last accessed October 2024. Available at: . © 2024 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. US24SEMO01198 October 2024 SOURCE NOVO NORDISK INC. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED